Japanese Spitz

Characteristics

Size

Grooming Needs

Exercise Needs

Good With Dogs

Watchdog Ability

History

It is still not clear how Japanese Spitzwas created. According to some versions, it is a descendant of the German Spitz and the Samoyed. In 1921 the breed was presented for the first time at a large exhibition, which was held in Tokyo. In Europe, the little white dog quickly became a favorite of everyone, not only because of its beautiful appearance, but also because of its cleanly habits, and the fact that its hair does not cause allergies. The standard of the breed was established in 1948.

Physical characteristics

The Japanese Spitz is covered with a sparkling white coat. His ears are upright and covered with hair. The nose is black and the eyes are always curious with a cheerful look. The muzzle is pointed, the lips are black. The tail is bushy and rolled over on his back. The height of the Japanese Spitz is about 36 cm. In terms of weight, the Japanese Spitz varies in a fairly wide range for such a small dog - between 5 and 10 kg. But actually, Japanese Spitz looks much bigger than it is, and this is due to its fluffy fur, which is like a cloud. The chest is well developed, the limbs are muscular, the paws are oval. On the feet, there are the so-called shorts - fluffy coat forming something like balls around the legs.

Character and behavior

The Japanese Spitz is pretty suspicious to strangers. Despite its small size, it can show aggression towards intruders. The dog choses only one person in the family to obey without question, the rest can only rely on its friendliness and good attitude.

These animals cannot tolerate the loneliness. If left alone for too long, your Spitz can destroy the interior and scratch on the doors without interruption for hours. It can also completely give up food and just lie down and wait for the master. Playful in nature with a wonderful sweet temper, the Japanese Spitz is a perfect family dog.

Training and education

This dog easily lends itself to training and dressage. It understands exactly what is asked for and is ready to do it instantly. You don't need to use food stimulant in the training, this puppy is ready to execute commands from morning till night, if can only to please its owner. However, if your Spitz refuses to execute a command – this means that you did not give your dog a chance to rest.

Health problems

The Japanese Spitz is a very healthy dog. However, it may suffer from a variety of ear and eye infections. It can also develop hip dysplasia and problems with bones, but this is very rare. The average lifespan is 12 years.

Grooming and care

The pure white fur Japanese Spitz makes many people dare not even think to take such a dog because they remain under the mistaken impression that its maintenance is too complex. Few people know that the hair of these dogs is as polished - so smooth that dirt does not stick to it. Even if this happens, your pet shakes and the coat is sparkling white again. The Japanese Spitz should never be clipped, even before competitions and exhibitions. The coat does not smell and does not fall. It is enough to comb it twice a week to bathe once a month to keep it shiny and beautiful.

The Japanese Spitz is a very energetic dog who loves to run and swim. It is better if you can provide your pet with the opportunity to go on long walks at least twice a day. It will be very happy if you take it with you on a long jogging.

You should be careful, because your pup tends to be too friendly towards other dogs, but they may be aggressive. Regularly check the ears and eyes of Japanese Spitz, to prevent the development of serious infections.

Children and other pets

The Japanese Spitz is suitable for families with very young children, because it will never hurt the kids, even if they play a little badly. The only thing your dog could do if it felt bullied, is to ask to leave in sadness.

Interesting facts

Puppies for sale of this breed are sought mainly by circus trainers, because they easily learn different tricks and looks very good on the circus arena.

The Japanese Spitz is different from other small breeds because it doesn't issue the typical shrill barking sounds. The breed is sometimes called “the Asia's silent dog”.